Program Specialist, Intellectual Property
Reporting to the Manager, IP Programs and collaborating with a team, the Program Specialist will be responsible for supporting the delivery of Innovate BC’s IP programs. This role involves participating in the design, administration, development, and evaluation of programs, managing stakeholder relations, and promoting programs to potential clients and members of the innovation ecosystem. The Program Specialist leads the review of program applications and communicates with program applicants and stakeholders. Additionally, the incumbent may conduct special studies and make presentations related to their areas of responsibility.
Compensation: $56,000-$74,000
Reporting to: Manager, IP Programs
Location: Vancouver, BC
Work Arrangement: Hybrid role with a requirement to work in-office at least 2 days per week. Limited travel may be required.
Employment Type: 12-month term
What You Will Be Doing
Business Execution:
Program Design and Delivery:
- Collaborate with the Director and the Manager to assist in designing and developing innovative programs that align with the organization's strategic goals and the needs of the innovation ecosystem
- Administer programs ensuring that objectives and targets are met in a timely and effective manner
- Coordinate program intake, review program applications, and provide recommendations for approval
- Handle communications regarding program inquiries, applicant concerns, review progress, and decision updates with applicants
- Track, monitor, and audit ongoing projects including deliverables, budgets, and expenditures, to ensure compliance with policies and standards and project agreements
- Communicate with delivery partners and lead the review of their progress and financial reports
- Develop program materials and reports
- Collect and analyze data and prepare status reports for decision-making, KPI tracking, program and impact assessments, and recommendations
- Participate in program evaluations and make recommendations for improvement including program criteria, processes, and software platforms
Technical/Position Delivery:
Other:
- Assist in managing program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and expenses are controlled within approved limits
- Support the development of financial reports and assist in budget forecasting and planning activities.
- Conduct special studies, make presentations, and participate in internal and external committee work relating to the areas of responsibility
- Perform other related duties as required
Team/People Engagement:
Stakeholder and Community Management:
- Provide advice, information, and assistance to ecosystem stakeholders (applicants, program participants, partners) regarding specific programs and refer them to other programs and agencies, when appropriate
- Support program activities through webinars, events, and meetings; facilitate engagement with the broader innovation ecosystem
- Develop knowledge and maintain awareness of the ecosystem (partners, similar programs) and expertise in the field of programming
- Initiate discussions with potential partners to identify new programs and opportunities for collaboration
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other IBC staff, program funders, and support agencies and provide regular program information, statistics, and reports
- Attend events, conferences, and workshops and initiate other promotional activities in conjunction with communications staff and other departments
- Coordinate or support any programs-related committees (industry advisory, evaluation, reviewer) as applicable
The list of duties and responsibilities described above is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded/modified from time to time as required by the organization’s needs.
What You Will Need
Qualifications and Experience:
- Post-secondary degree in business with considerable research and program administration experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of two years' experience as a Programs Assistant, Programs Specialist, or related position
- Strong understanding of the innovation ecosystem in BC is an asset
- Familiarity with IP concepts is an asset
- Experience working with online information management systems is an asset
- Advanced planning, organizational, analytical, and administrative skills
- Proficiency in MS Office software, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to direct and manage multiple activities while maintaining attention to detail
- Ability to make appropriate recommendations regarding the progress of projects and disbursement of funds based on guidelines and standards
- Ability to foster effective working relationships with peers, clients, funding providers, volunteers, external officials, and the public
What We Offer
- Onsite fitness facilities, and bike storage available at Vancouver office
- Hybrid work environment
- Access to events and conferences
This job description may change at the discretion of Innovate BC.
About Innovate BC
A Crown Agency of British Columbia, Innovate BC works to foster innovation across the province and bolster the growth of the local economy through delivering a wide range of programs that help companies start and scale, access talent and encourage technology development, commercialization, and adoption. Innovate BC also drives crucial data collection and research, and works to forge strategic industry and community partnerships that create more opportunities for B.C. innovators.
Apply
E-mail your resume and cover letter in one PDF (file name = FName LName) to skaur@innovatebc.ca with the subject line “Program Specialist, Intellectual Property”.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is April 27, 2025. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Apply now →
Innovate BC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and proudly maintains an organizational culture of inclusion, respect and understanding. In our work to create a thriving and more diverse innovation ecosystem within British Columbia, we know that our efforts only benefit from the vibrant diversity of backgrounds, identities, and characteristics that are reflected across our team and partners. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply. As part of our effort to provide a barrier free recruitment process, should you require accommodations in the process, please let us know by contacting hr@innovatebc.ca.
Your application may contain personal information, which Innovate BC is collecting for the purpose of recruiting a successful candidate for this position and is authorized to do so under the Freedom of Information Act 26(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, please contact ataghavi@innovatebc.ca.
